Get your gaming on the go with the 25 best Android games

While Apple’s iOS arguably has a better game selection, Android has grown considerably over the past few years. Here, we’ve compiled some of the best Android games that are currently on the market. Some are free and others cost a few bucks, but all of them provide an entertaining experience on the go. And given that there are hundreds of thousands of titles spanning a range of genres — role-playing, platforming, sports, etc. — we decided to break them down into distinct sections for your perusal. Now, if only everything in life was as simple as choosing a game for your evening commute.

Action and adventure games

‘Oceanhorn’

If you’re a Legend of Zelda fan, then Oceanhorn might be the game for you. The popular title features a solid narratives and terrific visuals, along with a captivating soundtrack. It’s pretty easy to play, too.

‘World of Warships Blitz’

If you’re a fan of MMO games, then World of Warships Blitz might be a good one for you. In the game, you’ll test your skills on the seas as you take on other battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and aircraft carriers.

‘Injustice 2’

Fight as your favorite DC superheroes in the second iteration of this popular game. Compared to the first Injustice game, Injustice 2 features better fighting dynamics, new moves, and even new characters to play as. The game even has a great storyline, and is set in the future when Batman and his team are fighting against those attempting to restore the Superman Regime — then a new threat appears.

Racing games

‘Dirt Trackin Sprint Cars’($3)

From the creators of the original Dirt Trackin game comes Dirt Trackin Sprint Cars, which offers six tracks and a huge range of cars to choose from. Not only can you race by yourself, but you can also race in multiplayer mode in a range of different difficulty levels.

‘Asphalt Street Storm’

If car racing is more your thing, then consider Asphalt. The franchise has been around almost as long as smartphones themselves, and the games have gotten better and better. Asphalt Street Storm is the latest game in the franchise, and sees you able to collect the cars of your dreams as you race through the streets of New York, Paris, and Hong Kong.

First-person games

‘Modern Combat Versus’

Gameloft is back again — the company is known for its wide range of mobile games, and the latest is Modern Combat Versus. Its slightly lame name aside, the game allows you to take the role of an agent, then make your way through each beautifully designed map.

‘Into the Dead 2’

The original Into the Dead game was super-highly reviewed, and now there’s a follow-up. In this action-packed game, you’ll experience the zombie apocalypse as you race through maps to save your family. Along the way, you’ll pick up powerful weapons and do whatever it takes to put those zombies down.

Role-playing games

‘NEO Scavenger’

NEO Scavenger is another acclaimed, PC-based RPG that has recently been ported to mobile platforms. In the game, you must survive long enough to learn about your character’s story and figure out your identity, while finding supplies and fighting your way through scores of enemy encounters.

Portal Knights ($5)

Portal Knights is a sandbox RPG that lets you explore the world, level up, take on bosses, and gain new weapons. The game is well made, and there are dozens of different islands to explore as you work to restore a world torn apart by “The Fracture.” You can even play cross-platform multiplayer mode, with up to 4 players in total.

‘Pokémon Go’

Pokémon Go, the spiritual successor to Ingress, uses the camera on a player’s smartphone to create a Pokémon-themed alternate reality experience, one where players see various Pokémon appear in the world through the camera lens. Players can capture these Pokémon and use them to take over gyms, which are found at various landmarks throughout the world.

Arcade

‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ ($0-$3)

Sonic the Hedgehog is a true classic, one Sega has finally brought to smartphones with the Sega Forever collection. If you weren’t already aware, the game sees you racing through a series of levels as the titular character, collecting rings and defeating enemies as you do.

‘Pac-Man’

Some games stand the test of time better than others. Classic arcade game Pac-Man is still giving gamers a run for their money nearly four decades after its release. The Android Pac-Man app stays true to the original format, while adding a few new levels to keep things fresh.

‘Street Fighter IV Champion Edition’

Street Fighter is a classic arcade game, and the release of Street Fighter IV Champion Edition has to be one of the most highly anticipated releases of the past few months. You can take control of 32 warriors and test your skills as you fight through the rest of the characters. The controls are pretty easy to use, and the game in general is a ton of fun for those who grew up with it.

Gunstar Heroes (Free)

Sega has been slowly but surely launching its classic games onto mobile, and one of the latest to get that treatment is Gunstar Heroes. In the game, you take on a crazy general hellbent on world domination, and you do so with flame-throwers, homing missiles, and other weapons. In fact, there are a total of 14 firearm combinations you can mix and match with.

Endless Runners

‘Super Mario Run’

Mario fans will love the new and exciting runner from Nintendo, which brings many of the classic elements of the original Mario games into a slightly different take on the title through Super Mario Run. The game, which was originally available only on iOS but finally made its way to Android, marks what is arguably the beginning of Nintendo’s push into mobile, and it’s a great first attempt.

‘Alto’s Adventure’

Alto’s Adventure was only recently added to the Google Play Store, but it’s an absolutely stunning design that’s addictive, and easy to play, too. It’s been getting rave reviews for its beautiful visuals, and even watching videos of others playing the game is mesmerizing — though playing it is even more so.

Puzzle and word games

HQ Trivia

HQ Trivia is a phenomenon that has swept the internet over the past few months. Why? Because it gives you a chance to win actual money. Twice a day, every day, you can enter the competition and answer trivia questions, and if you answer enough correctly, you could win money.

‘Gemini’ ($2.50)

Gemini is a beautifully designed puzzle game in which you’ll play the role of a star, after which you’ll encounter other stars and explore different spaces in the universe. The game was launched on other platforms in the past few years, but it’s now finally available on Android, too.

Strategy games

‘Fallout Shelter’

Even if you’re not a Fallout fan, this addictive sim is one of the best Android games around. Tunnel into the earth and build a vault to provide for your dwellers. Can you keep them alive in the face of raiders, radroaches, and other threats?

‘Clash of Clans’

Build up your settlement, plan your defenses, raise an army, and guide your tribe to victory against nasty goblins or other clan leaders. It’s a good combination of slow planning and quick chaotic battles.

Sports games

‘Pro Evolution Soccer 2017’

Pro Evolution Soccer has long been a staple among soccer fans, and for good reason. While the game has traditionally been played on the PlayStation and PC, in recent years it’s been available on mobile as well — with great results. The game is free, too, though if you do pay money you may be able to get extra players.

‘Hockey Nations 18’

The Winter Olympics may be over, but that doesn’t mean that the ice hockey has to end. Hockey Nations was made as a kind of promotion for the Winter Olympics, and allows you to play as one of 40 North American teams, 27 Russian League Teams, 19 international teams, or two all-star teams. Safe to say, if you’re into ice hockey, this might be the game for you.